Metallica, Tool Among Top Acts Eyed for Las Vegas Sphere Residency

The state-of-the-art music venue has booked a wide range of artists, but its next big bookings remain a mystery

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Las Vegas Sphere has become a premier live music venue since opening two-and-a-half years ago, hosting a diverse array of artists from U2 to Backstreet Boys. But the venue's future bookings remain a closely guarded secret, with past reports of potential residencies by stars like Harry Styles and Beyoncé failing to materialize. Industry insiders are now speculating about which major acts could be the next to headline the Sphere, with Metallica and Tool emerging as top contenders due to their public interest in the venue's unique capabilities.

Why it matters

The Sphere's ability to attract high-profile artists is crucial to its long-term success, as the venue aims to establish itself as a must-play destination for touring acts. A residency by a band like Metallica or Tool could help cement the Sphere's reputation and draw music fans from around the world to Las Vegas.

The details

Metallica has expressed strong interest in playing the Sphere, with drummer Lars Ulrich telling Howard Stern in August that the band is "considering" a residency there once their 2026 tour is complete. Meanwhile, Tool drummer Danny Carey has said the band is "very much into" the idea of a Sphere residency, citing the venue's advanced audio-visual capabilities as a perfect fit for their music. However, both acts face potential hurdles, with Metallica concerned about the financial viability and Tool's niche appeal potentially making them too "cult" for the Sphere's broad tourist audience.

  • Metallica is eyeing a Sphere residency once their 2026 world tour is finished.
  • Tool drummer Danny Carey recently discussed the band's interest in playing the Sphere when they release their next album.

The players

Metallica

An American heavy metal band that is one of the most commercially successful and influential groups in the genre's history.

Tool

An American progressive metal band known for their complex, atmospheric sound and devoted fan base.

Lars Ulrich

The drummer and co-founder of Metallica.

Danny Carey

The drummer of the band Tool.

James Dolan

The owner of the Las Vegas Sphere.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“All of our managers and our production people have been there and looked at it. It's something that we're considering, [but] nothing is etched in stone or green-lit. It's something that we're looking at at some point when the 2026 tour is done... I'm not going to bullshit you; I would fucking love to do it, let there be no question about it. It's not signed, sealed, and delivered, but speaking to me and asking my opinion, I would fucking love to do it.”

— Lars Ulrich, Drummer, Metallica

“Yeah, we're very much into that. We're hoping when we release the new record, maybe do a stint at the Sphere 'cause I think we're the perfect band for that. We've been talking to those guys...The preparation is pretty intense to get everything up... It's a very expensive endeavor and it takes a while to get into the black. I think it's a few shows before you make any money, but it would be work cut out.”

— Danny Carey, Drummer, Tool

What’s next

The Sphere's management team continues to negotiate with Metallica and Tool about potential residencies, though no deals have been finalized yet.

The takeaway

The Las Vegas Sphere has emerged as a premier live music destination, but its future bookings remain a closely guarded secret. Industry insiders are closely watching to see which major acts the venue will be able to attract next, with Metallica and Tool emerging as top contenders due to their public interest in the Sphere's unique capabilities.